Brussels, 23/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission announced on Monday 23 May that the launch of the first two operational satellites of the EU's global navigation satellite system would take place on 20 October from Europe's Space Port in Kourou, French Guiana. The launch of the Galileo satellites to an altitude of 23,600km will allow initial satellite navigation services by 2014. Further launches will complete the constellation by 2019.
“This launch is of historical importance. Europe is demonstrating that it has the capability to be at the forefront of technological innovation. Thousands of SMEs and innovators across Europe will be able to spot business opportunities and to create and develop their products based on the future Galileo infrastructure. Citizens will benefit from its services. Galileo is value for money and I count on member states' cooperation to find a solution for its financing”, said Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani in a press release.
The Galileo programme is the EU's initiative for a state-of-the-art global satellite navigation system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. Galileo will provide three early services in 2014/2015 based on an initial constellation of 18 satellites: an initial Open Service, an initial Public Regulated Service and an initial Search-and-Rescue Service. The Full Operational Capability phase of the programme will be managed and fully funded by the European Union.
The Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a delegation agreement by which ESA will act as the design and procurement agent on behalf of the Commission. The Commission expects Galileo to deliver €60 billion to the European economy over a period of 20 years in terms of additional revenues for the industry and in terms of public and social benefits, not counting the benefits of independence from the American GPS system. (E.H./transl.rt)